Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Before I come to the Order of Business I acknowledge the sad passing of former Senator John Doyle on 29 December 2010. He will always be remembered as one of the finest hurlers of his generation. His love of the GAA was matched by his concern for his county, country and community of Holy Cross. His legacy on the field of play is there for generations of hurlers to admire. He won eight all-Ireland medals for his native County Tipperary in the 1950s and 1960s. He also won 11 National League medals, an achievement which will never be equalled. He was player of the year in 1964. He formed part of the formidable Tipperary full-back line, which we all knew at the time was Hell's kitchen, of Maher, Carey and Doyle. He was possibly one of the best backs I have ever seen in my life. After he finished his playing career he became interested in politics and served as a Member of Seanad Éireann from 1969-73. He was also a member of North Tipperary County Council.

I offer our heartfelt sympathies to his wife Anne, sons Johnny and Michael and daughters Collette, Margaret, Anne-Marie, Sandra and Liz. I thank the Cathaoirleach for representing the Seanad at his funeral after Christmas which was a sad time for everyone concerned.

Senators Fitzgerald, Ross, White, Coffey, Norris, Coghlan, Mullen, Buttimer, Cummins, Boyle, Bacik, Regan, Healy Eames, McCarthy and Phelan inquired about the Finance Bill. It will come to the House immediately after it is concluded in the Dáil. It is due to be published next week and we can expect it in due course.

The Taoiseach made a statement on the concerns expressed by many colleagues today. I have always known him to be a very honourable and decent man. One could not find a more decent friend or man to represent anyone in any constituency in the country than the Taoiseach. He has covered the matters of concern in which many people were very interested in his statement and is now answering questions from party leaders in the Dáil.

Senators White, Callely, Quinn, Coghlan and Mullen called for a list of the business we will conduct. There will be a huge amount of legislation coming before us for consideration before the election and I will read it into the record of the House tomorrow. A copy from the Chief Whip is in all Members' pigeonholes. I am pleased the legislation which was promised is going ahead.

I congratulate Senator Quinn for his patience and understanding in regard to an urgent Bill which he sponsored. I will do anything I can as Leader to help him. The Cathaoirleach has done everything he can to facilitate the Bill. It is to be hoped it will be passed by the Dáil before the election is called.

Senator White asked whether the referendum on children's rights will be held on the same day as the election or some time this year. I will revert to the Senator tomorrow.

I join with Senators White, Bacik and others in expressing my sympathy on the sad passing of Mr. Joss Lynam.

Senator Coffey spoke on the dangers of radon gas and carbon monoxide. I sympathise with the terrible bereavement in the south east which he outlined. I have no difficulty with having a debate on the issue if time is available. I see very few debates taking place between now and the election because we will have to deal with a lot of legislation.

Senators Leyden, Norris and Callely referred to reform of Seanad Éireann. As I said recently, there should be an urgent review of the public sector and political reform should be included in that. I take on board the many suggestions which were made. We all made our proposals to the Minister and are awaiting developments.

Senators Norris, Hanafin and Mullen spoke on the importance of having our country represented in the capital cities of the world on St. Patrick's Day. It is a unique opportunity, as Senator Hanafin said. All of the agencies, including Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Bord Bia, are blessed to have this window of opportunity, especially in the United States. It was great to see the reports in this morning's newspapers to the effect that exports in the sector which Bord Bia covers have increased by 11%. It is an example of the success of the time spent promoting our country during the St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Long may it continue. Regardless of the Government that is in place and the Ministers who are available, we need to support the good work of our agencies in increasing export opportunities.

Senator Callely called for a debate on health issues. He outlined many areas, particularly the area of care for the elderly. I will endeavour to ensure the Minister for Health and Children comes to the House to debate the serious concerns of Members about the various health issues that have been raised on the Order of Business.

Senator O'Reilly spoke about Quinn Direct. The Cathaoirleach quite rightly pointed out that this issue will be raised by Senator Wilson on the Adjournment. I discussed it with Senator Wilson and the Minister, Deputy Smith, during the Christmas recess. We were keen to examine various ways in which we might help. It is a serious concern in our area. The success of the Quinn Group, which is a huge employer, is a shining example of what can be done. It has done outstanding work in creating employment in our area. We are doing everything we can, as Members of the Oireachtas, to help to sustain those jobs.

Senator Hanafin asked me to arrange a debate on everything relating to the economy. I will have no difficulty in doing so, time permitting.

Senator Bacik referred to the role of religion in our schools and highlighted blasphemy issues. I can pass her call on to the Minister.

Senator Walsh called for a debate on the many atrocities that took place over the Christmas period. Senator Alex White referred to last weekend's events in Arizona. At a time when poor people are dying of cancer and so on, it is very difficult to understand all these terrible atrocities that are taking place. I will pass the strong views of Senators on these matters on to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. If it is possible to leave time aside for a debate on them before we break up for the general election, I will have no difficulty in ensuring it takes place.